Arachnophobia?

[RockOne]

G'Day All.
A couple of spider photos.The first was taken with the A75 in macro mode. It is a net-casting spider (also called retarius spider- after the net wielding gladiator in Roman times, and ogre-faced spider). It throws a web over its prey, and as can be seen is really well hidden in the dried foliage :-)

The second was taken with the EOS300D and Kit lens.It is a Huntsman spider, and is much larger than the net-caster. The head-body is probably 2 to 2.5 inches in length. I probably could have approached a little more closely, but these fellas can jump and are really quick. Although they are not dangerous, I still didn't fancy it running over my lens onto my face, so I kept a reasonably safe distance :-) :-)

[NikonF4s]

Rather you than me. You could take a great picture of a giant Weta, when you come to NZ!

[RockOne]

:-)
I will see if I can get a Weta picture if I get the chance. Any idea where I can find them ?

[NikonF4s]

Gorse bushes, the big suckers are in gorse bushes, but they are not on the mainland. Largest insect in the world they say, or maybe the heaviest, can't remember. Scary looking fellas.

[RockOne]

Definitely scary looking. I'll keep an eye out for them. Might even do a bit of searching for some info on them. :-)

[Cyberhound]

Gorse bushes, the big suckers are in gorse bushes, but they are not on the mainland. Largest insect in the world they say, or maybe the heaviest, can't remember. Scary looking fellas.

Looks like some sort of Armoured Bush Cricket?

[Moppie]

Looks like some sort of Armoured Bush Cricket?

Literaly!


I love wetas, very cute insects.

The best place to find them though is the shower, especialy if you have a well forest back yard, or live somewhere a little bit rural.
When I was a kid we used to find about one a week trying to steal the hot water, or muscle in on a free bath.


When you come to Auckland take a trip to the museum if you get a chance, they have good exhibit with several differnt wetas, and some local Huntsman spiders. A bit smaller than the Ausie version, and called Avondale spiders here after the suburb they live in.

[RockOne]

Moppie - sent you a PM !